Institute for Transport Studies (ITS)

Students come from across the globe to study at ITS – and they consistently say that they are attracted by the Institute's reputation for excellence. To read more from just a few of our current and recent students, click on their photo below:

Why did you decide to study at ITS? 
After coming to an open day, I was impressed with the range of subjects you can study within the transport department. I was just looking around for what to do after my undergraduate degree, I had not totally decided that a Masters was what I wanted to do, but the open day swayed me enough to make me want to study a Masters and continue with my interest in transport. I had reviewed other Universities and their departments but ITS had the best reputation and was closest to what I wanted to study.

What is it about transport that interests and motivates you to study it?
Many people have asked me why I am studying transport and the main reason is because it affects all of our lives every day. There is no-one on the planet that is not affect by where they can access, how far they can travel or how they travel. I enjoy studying something you can physically see, not just an abstract concept. Studying Geography as an undergraduate degree is a good basic understanding for interactions between humans and the environment, so some of the basic principles are the same for transport.

How would you describe the experience of being an ITS Masters student? 
Hard, enjoyable work. There is a lot to do and a lot to learn, but it is all very interesting stuff! Everyone is getting stuck into the same topics, issues and coursework so the camaraderie between students is amazing. 

What have you enjoyed most about the first semester and what are you looking forward to in the next semester?
Field trips are a very enjoyable experience, being able to travel around learning about transport whilst also having the opportunity to socialise with students and staff alike.   I enjoyed the Understanding Travel Behaviour module thoroughly as my personal interest in travel behaviour, this is being followed up as in the second semester I am studying Analysing Transport and Society. The more personable side to transport is a fascinating topic.

What have the lectures and seminars been like? And the teaching staff?
The lectures have been an eye opener as to how much there is to learn about transport. I never knew there was so much being researched, studied and how interesting it is. The staff are so knowledgeable and on the top of their field, so they deserve the respect they are given.

What’s it been like living and socialising in Leeds?
Leeds is a great city. There is so much to do its hard where to start; the shopping is amazing- spoilt for choice, the nightlife is varied and energetic, and they people are so nice. It’s not difficult to step out of the student bubble and see the rest of the city.  I would like to stay in Leeds after finishing my course as I am enjoying living in the city so much.

What do you aim to do once you’ve completed your Masters?
My next step is to get a job, using the skills I have learnt during my time at Leeds. I am unsure which direction to go in as there are many possibilities for me to choose from. I would like to apply the skills and knowledge I have learnt, however the option of further study is not far away.

Do you have any advice for anyone thinking about studying for a Masters at ITS?
Do it! I know I will always remember the skills I’ve learnt, the people I’ve met and the experiences I have had.

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As a Fulbright Scholar you are following in the footsteps of many famous and prestigious US citizens - why did you choose to come to ITS?
I chose ITS after seeing that of all the UK institutions that have transport studies programs, ITS at Leeds was the best. What attracted me to ITS and the MSc Sustainability (Transport) was the interdisciplinary nature of the course and the crossover with the Sustainability Research Institute in the School of Earth and Environment. Coming from an interdisciplinary background, this was my first choice. Part of the Fulbright program is building international understanding in areas of study; learning transportation studies from world-renowned faculty members definitely feeds into the ideal.

What is it about transport that interests and motivates you to study it?
My dad is a transportation engineer back in the United States and I have always marvelled at the projects he worked on when I was younger. He has been all over the world and I have been lucky to see some of his projects from conceptual drawings to actually riding on the finished project. When I started studying public policy at Gettysburg, it gave me a chance to begin to understand what my dad does and allowed me to find my own interests within the field. I found that transport studies is a perfect intersection of science and policy and the work I have been doing at ITS makes this even more evident.

How would you describe the experience of being an ITS Masters student? 
Amazing, it has been a lot of fun studying transport with the class I am in. Every lecture is an experience and I learn something new. Inside and outside the classroom, my classmates make the time here fun and exciting. The coursework is interesting and makes me look at transport from different perspectives. It truly is an interdisciplinary field and you need to be open to seeing the different perspectives that emerge.

What have you enjoyed most about the first semester and what are you looking forward to in the next semester?
Induction week and the field-trip around Leeds were really fun. It gave all of us time to really get to know one another. It was really interesting to hear where everyone in our class comes from. Inside the classroom, I would have to say I particularly enjoyed the Transport Planning and Policy module. The discussions that emerged during our lectures were interesting and forced us to look at our own of opinions of transport and at times re-evaluate them.

Next semester, I am looking forward to my module in Green Logistics and doing my fieldwork at Hull and Immingham for my dissertation. In addition to the semester activities, I am really excited about the ITS field trip to Europe and my own travelling to Ireland.

What have the lectures and seminars been like? And the teaching staff/faculty?
At first glance, I did not realise that the material we would be reading in our classes are written by the faculty members of ITS. I thought that would be a bit intimidating, but once I was in Leeds and met the Professors and started attending the lectures, I found the faculty are amazing. They are very approachable and enjoy challenging us to think ‘outside the box’ and see new perspectives on transport related issues. They make material which can be challenging, interesting and easy to understand. The examples we learn in class are not theoretical, but are scenarios and projects that are ongoing which makes understanding them even easier.

How have you found living in the UK and Leeds in particular?
Living in the UK and Leeds has been a lot of fun. Gettysburg is a small college with about 2,700 students so coming to the University of Leeds and Leeds in general would be a challenge, but it has been an easy transition. Leeds has a lot of events in the city centre such as the Christmas Market and the ice skating rink. Also, being in Leeds allows me the opportunity to travel to places close to Leeds for day trips which has been a lot of fun.

...and the social life at the University of Leeds?
During the first semester, I took up Jiu Jitsu which has been a lot of fun, although a bit daunting when it is your first martial arts. In addition to Jiu Jitsu, my classmates and I do stuff outside the classroom. When I needed to go to York to judge a debate, a friend from ITS accompanied me and we made a day trip to explore the city and sights (including the rail museum).

You’ve travelled quite a bit around the UK – what have been the highlights?
The University offers day trips to places such as Liverpool and Cambridge which were a lot of fun. During the Christmas Break, I travelled to Stonehenge, Bath, and spent some time in London. The highlight of my travels in the UK has to be the time I spent in Cornwall and Plymouth. During my time in Cornwall, I was taken to a Cornish Mine and saw the regeneration projects going on in the region. Although the weather was not too good on the few days we were in Cornwall, on the last day when we were in St. Ives, the sun came out and we were able to see the Atlantic Ocean from the beach and walk around St. Ives which was stunning. The tiny streets and the waterfront were truly amazing and things I will not forget.

You have already achieved a lot in your life, including some academic publications , teaching assistantship and as an Eisenhower Institute Undergraduate Fellow – tell us more…
Gettysburg really allowed me to explore my interests in political science and chemistry. The Eisenhower Institute is a public policy program that allows students to work on policy areas that are of interest to them. The program is led by Susan Eisenhower, the granddaughter of President Eisenhower and the program gave us the opportunity to meet public policy makers in the US and learn what they do. For me, I was interested in the environment, infrastructure, and nuclear non-proliferation. Being a political science major and chemistry minor allowed me to be an assistant in courses such as Organic Chemistry and Constitutional Law as well as write some articles on Constitutional Law and an Organic Chemistry Manual. In the area of Nuclear Non-Proliferation, myself and some friends organized a team to represent the US at a Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty Simulation held in Washington DC. At the end of the conference, our team was awarded the Most Outstanding Delegation award for our work during the simulation.

What do you plan to do once you’ve completed your Masters?
Prior to being awarded the Fulbright Award and coming to ITS, I was accepted to Roger Williams University School of Law in Rhode Island. After I finish my studies at ITS, I plan to return to the US to start my law degree. My work at ITS dovetails nicely with my law degree because I am working on a maritime-based dissertation and Roger Williams specializes in Maritime Law. I am contemplating going for my PhD in Maritime Affairs to tie law, transportation, and maritime affairs together and hopefully will be able to teach in these areas.

Do you have any advice for anyone thinking about studying for a Masters at ITS?
Be prepared to hit the ground running. ITS is a wonderful place and the courses are great but be prepared to work on day one. Be open to new ideas and have fun. The year goes fast and enjoy every day of the program.

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Why did you decide to study at ITS? 
I chose to study at ITS because it has profesional lecturers and great teaching methods. The University also has complete facilities for students like sports, health, library, computing, student union, and many more which are very helpful - not only for study purposes but also for social interaction, so that I have no worries about living far away from my country.

What is it about transport that interests and motivates you to study it?
I am primarily interested in studying transport in developing countries, particularly air transportation.

How have you found living in the UK and Leeds in particular?
Leeds is a very beautiful place to live. The city has many events, like Leeds light night where you can watch a unique city celebration every year. The people are also friendly, so  its easy for students. The foods, market, buses, are easy also.

How would you describe the experience of being an ITS Masters student? 
It is a new experience for me. I’ve met many students from different countries and study together with them. I have also joined in with the  ITS activities, trips, etc.

What have you enjoyed most about the first semester and what are you looking forward to in the next semester?
I’ve enjoyed all the modules. I think they are all very important for me, and useful for my future career.

What have the lecture and seminars been like? And the teaching staff/Faculty?
The lectures and seminars always present fresh issues on transport and deliver them in a way that is easy to understand. The teaching staff are very friendly, and helpful. We can ask them everything in person or by email, and they reply quickly to our questions.

What do you aim to do once you’ve completed your Masters?
Go back to my office, and continue working..!

Do you have any advice for anyone thinking about studying for a Masters at ITS?
I think ITS is the right place if you want to study about transport and become an expert transport planner. Besides, Leeds is also a beautiful place to travel in the UK. 

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Why did you decide to study at ITS?
I decided to study at ITS through recommendations by my senior engineering colleagues who are alumni of ITS. This was after I had expressed a desire to undertake further studies in transport.   My working experience after my first degree has been in feeder roads (roads to rural farming communities) development and construction management. But the current development direction in Ghana is supporting the upgrading of most of these roads into higher geometrical standards. These developments have their attendant environmental and safety issues. Therefore when I decided to undertake further studies in transport my senior colleague recommended ITS of Leeds to me as one of the best Transport Studies Institutes one can attend.

What is it about transport that interests and motivates you to study it?
I have always had interest and concern for issues of safety on the road and the environment. Transport affects the environment and vice versa but the extent could not easily be imagined until I came to ITS.

How have you found living and socialising in Leeds?
Living in Leeds has been wonderful (of course not forgetting my initial encounter with the cold weather condition, as someone from a warmer climate).  The city is beautiful and calm. People are generally approachable. There is always a welcome for you whether at a health facility, the bank, a bookshop, a commercial centre and indeed anywhere else within the city and on campus.  People are always ready to assist if you request for their assistance. I am very comfortable in the mist of my colleagues on the course and will dare to say that we are a wonderful representation of a diverse cultural and social background. 

How would you describe the experience of being an ITS Masters student?
I feel honoured to have had this opportunity to be an ITS Masters student. I have been exposed to a very wide range of transport and environmental issues which I never could imagine. The extent of research and studies that have been done in various dimensions and aspects of transport and the environment is amazing. The opportunity to be taught by and interact with such seasoned researchers and professionals is rare. This offers me a better opportunity to contribute to the road safety efforts of my agency back home in Ghana.

What have you enjoyed most about the first semester and what are you looking forward to in the next semester? 
The first semester was very busy and I enjoyed the statistics, and modelling lectures (including all the modelling based courseworks).  The field trips, especially to see the public transport infrastructure in Leeds (the guided bus-ways) were an exciting experience.  I look forward to the specific experiences of the optional modules of semester two and other field trips, in order to make my ITS Masters student experience more complete.

What have the lectures and seminars been like? And the teaching staff?
The pace of lectures and studies requires one to be always on the move because there is a lot to be covered. The lectures and seminars have been very complementary which is very significant. The seminars contributed further understanding to treated topics.
One or two lectures were delivered in a rush and therefore did not communicate the understanding to me, but this is very minute compared to the entire semester one lectures. The teaching staff are just wonderful. They exhibited clear control over all the topics and were always ready to listen or arrange an appointment on issues concerning the topics for any student or group of students. The VLE discussion board was very supportive of academic work.

What do you aim to do once you’ve completed your Masters?
I am being sponsored by my agency (through the Government of Ghana/IDA of World Bank), and therefore will go back home to share my experience with other colleagues regarding safety issues in road infrastructure design. Secondly, I represent the agency at the regional road safety committee where I hope to contribute a lot in their regional activities. I also plan to undertake research studies in driver distraction in the Ghanaian context to support the effort of the Ghana Road Safety Commission to promote road user safety issues.

Do you have any advice for anyone thinking about studying for a Masters at ITS?

• There is a lot to be done within the study period and therefore one should be ready to work hard and plan ones time well.
• Basic computing knowledge (including internet) is very key in information search, retrieval, usage, application and dissemination.
• Basic mathematical background in statistics, probability and algebra is an advantage.
• Last but not the least, ask if you don’t know, and you will be taught.

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Why did you decide to study at ITS? 
The main reason why I chose ITS is its good reputation - especially in transport economics, as only few universities offer this programme. ITS also has a significant reputation for transport research. Finally, I believe this degree will help me find a good job.

What is it about transport that interests and motivates you to study it?
Transport is a necessity for humans’ daily lives, and good planning, analysis, investment and a long-term vision of transport can have a profound effect on societies.
Transport is also a subject that has both practical and theoretical aspects, and it’s this that appeals to me.

How have you found living in the UK and Leeds in particular?
The lifestyle here in the UK is different from that in Taiwan. I have to be more independent and adjust to the way of life. Leeds is a small but perfectly formed city and almost all of what I need can be found in the city centre. It’s a good place for shopping, in particular for foreign students since a variety of international goods are sold here.
Time management is also more important in UK, since early booked train tickets are much cheaper - for example when travelling to London for transport related conferences.

How would you describe the experience of being an ITS Masters student? 
It is an amazing experience to be a student at ITS. My classmates come from all over the world and it’s very interesting to hear about various transport applications in different countries. A feature of lectures here I admire the most is that students can apply what they have learned to the coursework, as the requirements of the courseworks are closely related to the content of lectures.

What have you enjoyed most about the first semester and what are you looking forward to in the next semester?
Although it was a really challenging time when the courseworks and exams were due, I felt so confident after I finally finished them. In the next semester we will have the chance to work as a group, and I expect to exchange ideas with my classmates - it will be a useful way of building my English language skills as well as developing my academic thinking. 

What have the lectures and seminars been like? And the teaching staff?
All the ITS lecturers and staff are friendly and willing to help solve any problems we have. They offer plentiful resources and information related to our studies and the interactions between students and lecturers are good. The external seminar speakers are also helpful in providing us with opportunities to learn about applications of transport in the real world.

What do you aim to do once you’ve completed your Masters?
I would like to join a transport consultancy after graduation since I believe this is the most direct way to apply what I have learned, in dealing with various practical transport issues.

Do you have any advice for anyone thinking about studying for a Masters at ITS?
ITS won’t be a disappointment for anyone interested in studying transport.  ITS is suitable for those who have their own views on transport issues and are willing to discuss these with others -  the principles covered in the lectures are strongly linked to the real world.

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Why did you decide to study at ITS? 
I wanted to continue my studies and focus on economics, and Leeds seemed to be the obvious place; the university has a great reputation, the school is exemplary and the course was befitting to my interests. I was also keen on Leeds knowing it’s a young, vibrant city with a large student body.

What is it about transport that interests and motivates you to study it?
Transport’s quite unique. There are idiosyncratic quirks to it and I find finding practical solutions to them both interesting and challenging in equal measure. I like transport’s proximity to real world issues for both the short and long term. There’s a great balance between theory and application, especially on the economics side of things. I also like that it’s an industry set to be turned on its head within my lifetime. It means there’s exciting scope for progression in the field, and ITS is on the vanguard of that.

How would you describe the experience of being an ITS Masters student? 
It’s outstanding.  All facets of student life at ITS, from learning to the social aspect, have exceeded my expectations. You’re encouraged to reach your potential, and supported every step of the way. I’m genuinely happy being here, and I don’t think I’m the only person who feels that way. I like the mix of academic disciplines. I like that I have lectures with an engineer, a mathematician and an economist. It’s interesting having a range of different perspectives for a given topic.

What have you enjoyed most about the first semester and what are you looking forward to in the next semester?
Academically, I enjoyed the economics modules. Socially, I enjoyed the football. I’m the course rep for transport economics and the school rep for ITS, which I enjoyed as I could really nestle into student issues and be part of the university’s organisational process. Next term, I’m mostly looking forward to getting my teeth into my dissertation, and of course, winning the 5-a-side league!

What have the lectures and seminars been like? And the teaching staff?
Informative, though provoking, interesting, engaging, take your pick! There’s a great diversity of topics in the seminars, delivered by experts and industry leaders, all of which are germane to the course content. The lecturers are knowledgeable, approachable and infinitely helpful. The support staff deserve an honourable mention, too. I had a few problems with my maths when I arrived, and I was guided to help so that I could dust out the cobwebs. The staff are also really open to ideas. When I proposed my own dissertation topic, I was steered to people in the business school who were keen to be involved.
           
What’s it been like living and socialising in Leeds?
I’ve really warmed to Leeds since moving here. Like any city there’s a wealth of things to busy yourself with. What’s special here is the volume of students. Everywhere you are is bustling with young people like yourself, be it a Friday night or Tuesday morning. It’s easy to meet people and indulge in whatever it is you enjoy.

What do you aim to do once you’ve completed your Masters?
Honestly, I haven’t a clue. I’m toying with the idea of a PhD, but I’m also applying for graduate jobs, I suppose I’ll find out in due course. The good thing about being here is I’ve the option to do all these things if I choose to.

Do you have any advice for anyone thinking about studying for a Masters at ITS?
I’d encourage anybody thinking of coming here to do just that. As long as you’re prepared to put the work in, the rewards are there for you and it’s a great place to be.

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Why did you decide to study at ITS?
ITS is one of the highest ranking schools for transport in the UK. It was one of three choices I had chosen due to the programme, location and price. The staff were friendly and responded to my questions and needs and accepted my application with no problem even though I had applied very late. Their helpfulness and acceptance were the other reasons why I made my choice.

What is it about transport that interests and motivates you to study it?
Everybody travels. Whether it is to walk to the shops, drive to work, go on holiday etc., travelling is a necessity for everyone. To be able to influence a positive change in people's lives was one of the main reasons for studying civil engineering, and with that, I believe I can maximise this by studying transport.

How have you found living in the UK and Leeds in particular?
Leeds is definitely a city that is alive and kicking. There are always events to go to whether by yourself or with friends. Making friends has not been difficult. Everyone is open to new people in the university and in the city.

How would you describe the experience of being an ITS Masters student? 
Being a student at ITS has been a fantastic experience. The years you spend at university are the ones you should enjoy the most, and so far I have not been disappointed. The lessons are stimulating, the lecturers are engaging and respond to the students' needs, the support staff have been supportive and everyone is nice!

What have you enjoyed most about the first semester and what are you looking forward to in the next semester?
My all round experience in the first semester has been very positive, but I have to say the most enjoyable aspect has been the field trips and the Induction Week in general. Within lectures, when time is made for discussions to critique theories or opinions in industry is very stimulating. In the second semester, the fact that you get to choose the majority of the subjects you are studying is very advantageous. You basically have a degree that not many others would have as your academic knowledge would be different to other people. The European trip to Belgium, Holland and Germany in June is something I am very much looking forward to. Going to new places and learning new things in a different environment is very appealing, especially when with friends. It's going to be good!

What have the lecture and seminars been like? And the teaching staff?
The lectures have been what I was expecting. They are very thorough and examine all aspects of the subject in question which I am very happy with. The way case studies have been used in subjects such as road pricing have been very helpful in showing the theory we are learning in action.  The staff genuinely show that they care about your progress and do their utmost to answer questions and provide a lot of help. If you have a problem you would like to discuss in private, a lot of the lecturers have an open door policy. All you need to do is knock on their door and they are happy to help.

What do you aim to do once you’ve completed your Masters?
After completing my Masters, I plan to start a career in transport. I understand the difficulties in doing so in the current economic climate, but with the drive to succeed and with a Masters from a department with a high reputation in the transport sector, it is possible. The job search has taken me to consider even moving abroad to gain vital experience, with a lot of companies offering the chance to do so, such as Arup and Mott McDonald.

Do you have any advice for anyone thinking about studying for a Masters at ITS?
There's no need to think about it. Do it.

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Why did you decide to study at ITS?
I chose ITS because the Institute is known as one of the best places in the world to study transport.  ITS was also familiar to me due to its record of publishing research in various transport journals. The research done by ITS and the broad spread of expertise, such as engineering, economics, geography, and also psychology, also matched my interests.

What is it about transport that interests and motivates you to study it?
My main motivation is to gain more knowledge about transport. As an official in the Ministry of Transportation, I can then contribute more to developing better planning and policies for my country, particularly on transport safety.

How have you found living in the UK and Leeds in particular?
I have been living in UK for 6 months and although I am studying in Leeds I am always looking for opportunities to visit other parts of UK - to get a complete feel of the country and experience its transport systems. So far I have visited London, Norwich, Birmingham, York, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Sunderland and Glasgow. I found living in the UK a wonderful experience to meet people from various backgrounds, as many people from different parts of the world come here to study or work. The UK is a melting pot of different cultures and backgrounds, and so far I have found that most people in UK are very welcome and open with foreigners and also respect the differences. I have found Leeds a suitable place to study as it’s not as crowded as London and also not too quiet like Sunderland. Known as one of the safest city in UK, Leeds is also a nice place to explore, alone or together with friends, at day and also at night especially when the annual events like the Leeds Light Night or Bonfire Night take place. I am really enjoying my time in Leeds, so much so that when I was away for a holiday in another city, after a couple of days I was missing Leeds.

How would you describe the experience of being an ITS Masters student? 
Being an ITS Masters student is very challenging, as  each module involves around a hundred of hours independent study, doing a lot of readings, and also completing coursework as well as attending the lectures. This has shaped my skills in managing time, discussing topics, doing a lot of literature reviews, as well as preparing for practical jobs in the transport sector.

What have you enjoyed most about the first semester and what are you looking forward to in the next semester?
I really enjoyed meeting new friends from all over the world in the ITS classroom. I have also been impressed with the friendliness of all the lecturers and ITS staff - they make me feel at home, even though Leeds is a 20 hour flight away from my home country. I am looking forward to more social events in ITS in the next semester.

What have the lectures and seminars been like? And the teaching staff?
The lectures and seminars in ITS are very interesting since they always encourage the students to think critically and be aware of the latest issues in transport. The teaching staff are all very helpful and friendly, the students can ask about anything whether in class, after class, or when having a tea break in the common room. And further enquiries are also welcome at anytime by email and are always responded to quickly.

What do you aim to do once you’ve completed your Masters?
I will go back to Indonesia and implement all the best lessons learned from ITS.

Do you have any advice for anyone thinking about studying for a Masters at ITS?
If you are interested in making real contributions to the transport sector, then ITS is a perfect place to start. The lecturers are the top experts and they are all happy to share their knowledge and experience with their students. The University is equipped with a comprehensive library, sports centre, a place for worship, a nice refectory, and a well-run student union. Leeds is a compact city with complete facilities - modest and modern shopping, interesting city events, beautiful scenery especially in the suburbs, and importantly an integrated transport system that makes travelling around the UK easy. And last but not least, especially for an Indonesian, you will rarely feel homesick as there are a lot of other Indonesians here, either studying or working. I had no idea that studying abroad could feel so wonderful - the learning and experiencing go hand in hand.

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Why did you decide to study at ITS?
I wanted my Masters from an Institute of repute and somewhere with a social life - both are important for holistic growth. I researched many possibilities and there was nowhere better than the University of Leeds, which offered both aspects. I also asked my Professors and they recommended ITS. I had applied to other Institutes but I finally zeroed in on Leeds because of its reputation.

What is it about transport that interests and motivates you to study it?
I did a Civil Engineering undergraduate degree and enjoyed it, as it gives pragmatic approaches for tackling real life problems. I liked the transportation course in particular, as transport has a ubiquitous presence in our daily life. A simple construction of road to connect a remote place holds the potential to change the lives of the people in that area. Transport is a subject which combines both the ‘hard’ science of geometric design, engineering and maths with the ‘soft’ disciplines of social sciences - and how transport decisions can transcend and change the social structure of an area.

How have you found living in the UK and Leeds in particular?
There are regular trips organised by the University to visit other parts of the UK. Global Cafe is  organised every Monday where all international students can go and meet new people – it’s a great way to socialize with your peers. I would just say it's been great - the people are very friendly. I have walked back home at odds hours and have never felt any security issues. Leeds is a great student city - there is so much to do. There are always events on in the Student Union and there are clubs for every hobby. It's your take as to how much you want to take away from here.

How would you describe the experience of being an ITS Masters student? 
Hard and challenging. There is so much to read and discuss for the courseworks, but it’s a very good learning curve. There is a lot of self-study required for each module; everyone gets stuck at almost the same point in a coursework and it requires a lot of   discussion, but in the end it’s all worth it. The process makes you think a lot and that's the beauty of the learning - you get to apply the concepts learnt in the lectures to real life situations.

What have you enjoyed most about the first semester and what are you looking forward to in the next semester?
The modules in the first semester were very good and gave me a good understanding of what transport is all about. In the second semester I am looking forward to broadening my horizons and starting work on my dissertation. Apart from my studies, I have made some good friends here and I enjoyed trips to Liverpool and Cambridge

What have the lecture and seminars been like? And the teaching staff?
Lectures have been great. Complex concepts are made simple and delivered in a lucid manner. The teaching staff are very helpful and take care of all the academic matters in a friendly manner.

What do you aim to do once you’ve completed your Masters?
I will be applying for jobs in consultancy.

Do you have any advice for anyone thinking about studying for a Masters at ITS?
I would say go for it. It is a place where you can do work hard on  weekdays and party hard on weekends. You will surely make some great friends and life will change for the better. It all depends on you as to how much you extract. This place offers everything.

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Why did you decide to study at ITS?
I was confused when I had three prestigious schools offering me admission at the same time for my Masters in transport. One of the schools was at Ohio University in the US, the others were the University of Leeds and Birmingham University, both in the UK.  To clear my confusion, I began to visit the websites of all these schools to see what each could offer me in terms of my career development. I finally settled on ITS (Leeds) because I realised that the transport programme here is interdisciplinary in nature and coupled with this are the excellent academic and service facilities, designed to meet student needs no matter their background, race or culture. I realised that the ITS programmes are practically orientated and provide close links with industry - which gives the practical aspects to the theory students undergo in the classroom. Guest lectures are also given by experts from across the private and public sectors, providing an insight to the various professions within transport. Industry also facilitates site visits which gives you the opportunity to learn from international best practice. I have not regretted making this choice.

What is it about transport that interests and motivates you to study it?
Transport is key to productivity and economic growth and therefore the success of every business.  People and business rely on it to provide the right connections to support and facilitate travel, production and distribution of goods and services. Transport problems are therefore societal problems and of major interest to me since it affects all of our lives every day. My sociological background means I’m interested in these wider problems, such as the chaotic traffic congestion and its accompanying pollution impact being experienced in rapidly urbanising countries. I’m interested in studying the problems of transport in order to try and come up with possible solutions.

How have you found living and socialising in the UK and in Leeds?
The experience of living in a new culture is a challenge, coupled with the fact that you have left your family and friends behind. Trying unfamiliar food was a discovery. However, it has been exciting, fun and led to new perspectives on life. It has made me enjoy a multi-cultural experience, as many of the friends I have made are from various backgrounds. The University’s clubs and societies have served as a great basis for my social interactions. Living in Leeds is a memorable experience.

How would you describe the experience of being an ITS Masters student? 
It’s been phenomenal and eye-opening. I have been working as a transport policy planner back home in my country but my experience at ITS has now made me understand this better.  Back home I was using abstract planning without knowing the anticipated impacts before implementation. The computer simulation and modelling programmes were something new to me and have broadened my knowledge. It has also been a lot of fun studying transport with my class - students with varied backgrounds converge to discuss our experiences. Every lecture is an experience and I learn something new. Inside and outside the classroom, my classmates make the time here fun and exciting. The coursework is interesting and enables me to do better research than I would usually do for exams or other office tasks. It also enabled me to draw synthesis from the various theories studied. It truly is an interdisciplinary field and you need to be open to seeing the different perspectives that emerge. Also, my experience of ITS and the many courseworks which compels me to use the library often has put me in contact with colleagues across the university, many of whom I would never have had the opportunity to meet. I have made many new friends.

What have you enjoyed most about the first semester and what are you looking forward to in the next semester?
The various trips out of Leeds organised by the International Students Centre were fascinating and I would love to experience more of these this semester. The snow was also a new experience considering the climatic settings I came from. In all, the first semester was a good experience and I’m looking forward to more.

What have the lectures and seminars been like? And the teaching staff?
The experience I will always remember is the student-staff relationship. I have been so overwhelmed by the friendly manner in which both teaching and support staff helped students during the first semester. The lecturers make learning easier because they make students participate, thereby developing our communication skills. The seminars have helped the students to develop a set of transferable skills – to give presentations, study independently and work as a team. I am expecting this to continue through the next semester.  

What do you aim to do once you’ve completed your Masters?
I am going back home to Ghana to transfer the knowledge acquired to help solve the numerous transport related problems that are emerging there.

Do you have any advice for anyone thinking about studying for a Masters at ITS?
It is simple. If you intend to pursue a career in any transport related discipline then ITS should be your destination. Here, lecturers are enthusiastic about their field and really help bring the subject matter to life. In short, ITS is the world bank of knowledge in transport studies. 

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Why did you decide to study at ITS?
First of all, I have to thank National Cheng-Kung University for providing me with this brilliant opportunity to be involved in a dual Masters degree program. That’s probably the main reason I started to think about being part of ITS.  But after doing some research about ITS, the great reputation and faculty really impressed me, which strengthened my desire to apply to this program.

What is it about transport that interests and motivates you to study it?
Transport is everywhere in our lives. Each tiny change could make people feel completely different. When I was young, I was lucky to witness a big public transport revolution happening in Taipei, and that triggered my interest in transport. Besides, I love travel, and to be moving is somehow one of my favourite parts of travel. For me, transport is not a way to access travel but the beginning and ending of it.

How have you found living in the UK and Leeds in particular?
There is a Mandarin saying “the sparrow may be small but it has all the vital organs” and that’s what I always said about Leeds. It’s not as big a city as London or where I come from, Taipei.  However, despite of the size, people can always get what they want in this city. Most of the places are in walking distance including supermarkets, bars, restaurants, the train and coach stations and the main shopping area. With endless events held in Leeds through the whole year, it’s a good place to be a student.

How would you describe the experience of being an ITS Masters student? 
It’s been busy - both with coursework and the various events held by ITS and students. The whole study experience is quite different from Taiwan. Students from all over the world and different fields stimulate all kinds of interesting ideas. Since I was major in transport in my first degree, it’s really good to have classmates from different backgrounds and not just pure transport guys.

What have you enjoyed most about the first semester and what are you looking forward to in the next semester?
Definitely the field trips! As I said, transport is everywhere in our lives. Field trips make us aware of that real transport planning is occurring all around us. As an international student, this is one of the best ways to get to know more about this country and the transport within it. I’m really looking forward to more field trips and the European trip.

What have the lectures and seminars been like? And the teaching faculty?
The modules were quite beyond my expectation. They bring in different ideas and make us think differently. The staff have been really nice to us. The lecturers are willing to answer all of our questions and they are really good on their research areas.

What do you aim to do once you’ve completed your Masters?
Since I’m in on dual Masters degree program right now, I will finish the NCKU Masters back in Taiwan, and then I have to finish my duty serving in the army. After that, I think I will focus on job seeking in the air transport industry - such as airlines, airports or air traffic control.

Do you have any advice for anyone thinking about studying for a Masters at ITS?
Go for it! If you are really into transport, ITS won’t let you down! 

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Why did you decide to study at ITS?
ITS, being a separate department, appealed to me more than other UK universities, where transport is regarded as ‘part of something else’.  In this way ITS is able to be multidisciplinary, which was important for me. ITS is a well-known brand in the transport sector too. Also, the University of Leeds was flexible regarding language requirements, so I did not have to take another English test and could start with my postgraduate studies directly after finishing my undergraduate degree.

What is it about transport that interests and motivates you to study it?
I have always been interested in transport and it has evolved into to my main interest over the years.   Transport is both work and a hobby for me. I have been a volunteer for some NGOs, such as FEDECRAIL (European Federation of Museum & Tourist Railways), and I have a part-time job in operations for the Hungarian State Railway. I like the complexity of transport. Almost every issue is connected to something else, and there are many inter-relations between transport and other scientific fields, ranging from sociology to the environment. Also, transport is concerned with moving, so it is not about sitting in the office in front of a spreadsheet. Transport is a very innovative field; the demand for adequate transport solutions has never been greater and is still rising. Transport is connected to our everyday life, and as a transport planner I can be a person who really makes a difference.

How would you describe the experience of being an ITS Masters student? 
It is hard work, and stressful during the exam period - but you get a lot back. There are field-trips and other events such as the international student night. I am proud to walk around the campus as an ITS student. I know that most of the people around me do not know anything about what I have just heard in an ITS lecture.

What have you enjoyed most about the first semester and what are you looking forward to in the next semester?
The first semester was interesting as a whole new approach to transport and its problems was introduced. Everything was new to me, so it was a quite adventurous. In the second semester, three of the four modules are electives. This allows me to study those areas which are really, really interesting. My only problem was to decide which modules not to take!

What have the lectures and seminars been like? And the teaching staff?
The lectures have a good atmosphere and the teaching staff ensure that it stays that way. I really appreciate this effort. If we have to use specialist software, normally PhD students come along to help you and the lecturer, so you do not have to worry about this either. The teaching staff are highly motivated to deal with individual questions and they also take the time to listen to the student feedback on each module.

How have you found living and socialising in the UK and Leeds in particular?
Socialising is a bit hard if you do not have fellow nationals around you, as most of the people have someone to talk to in their mother tongue. However, the environment at ITS is very welcoming.  Leeds is a walk-able city, and it helps to get accommodation somewhere near the campus. The number of students in the city ensures that you will find parties that suit your needs. You can also find more serious leisure activities like film festivals or the Light Night.  There are very nice parks for relaxing, like Roundhay, Golden Acre and Kirkstall to mention a few. Leeds is also in an ideal position if you want to explore the UK, and Leeds-Bradford airport provides international connections.

What do you aim to do once you’ve completed your Masters?
I am planning to work with transport policy-related questions at either local, national or maybe EU level. I would like to work in the field of public transport, railway and safety. I would like to have a job where I get the opportunity to go out and study the issues right on the scene. My goal is to do this in a German-speaking country to enhance my language skills.

Do you have any advice for anyone thinking about studying for a Masters at ITS?
If you are really interested in many aspects of transport and you can commit yourself for a year’s work, go for it!

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Why did you decide to study at ITS?
It was a tough decision to make because I had also thought about studying in Edinburgh and hadn’t initially wanted to live in Leeds! I had a cousin who was on the same course last year at ITS though, and continually talked about how good the ITS programme was, compared to a lot of others in the UK who offer similar degrees. After a lot of deliberation on cost of tuition and living; distance to family; location; how long the programme had been established for, and ranking of the institutions, Leeds emerged the winner...and here I am!

What is it about transport that interests and motivates you to study it?
During my undergraduate degree, I realised that I wanted to be able to contribute towards sustaining and improving urban and rural economies through transport. I had learned in social studies in school how good transport networks help fresh food producers – for example, farmers and fishermen - to deliver their produce across the country for sale.   On inadequate transport networks, the goods perish before they reach their destination so producers lose income and the country loses revenue. I wanted to acquire skills on how to develop and maintain sustainable transport solutions anywhere in the world, and know how to adapt these skills – both technical and cultural – to problems requiring lasting solutions with limited resources.

How have you found living and socialising in Leeds?
I really like living here. I’m within a 20-minute walk to the city centre and have found my way around the city centre shopping precinct, various eateries and entertainment spots. I attend a lively Anglican church in the centre of town and have joined its choir as well. I enjoy the diversity of my flat – Chinese, Malaysian and Ghanaian flatmates - and also that of my classmates. I have picked up a few Chinese words and been introduced to dishes one wouldn’t usually get at a takeaway shop!

How would you describe the experience of being an ITS Masters student? 
It is a multi-disciplinary experience. Transport, although a specialised topic in itself, also has disciplines within it as considered at ITS: economics, environment, sustainability, engineering and planning. Even as an engineering stream student, you learn to appreciate aspects of the other disciplines...which I haven’t always easily understood! But I realise that one must be aware of the impacts transport has in these areas in order to make informed decisions in future careers. My classmates are from varied backgrounds and countries; one discovers that each student has his or her own reasons for studying transport and is passionate about particular aspects of the course. Also, the manner in which different personalities interact, make for lively debate in and out of the classroom.

What have you enjoyed most about the first semester and what are you looking forward to in the next semester?
Getting to know people and feeling my way around the structure of the programme. This semester I’m looking forward to learning from mistakes I made last semester, to improve upon my academic performance. I am also looking forward to the European field trip in the summer after the exams!

What have the lectures and seminars been like? And the teaching staff?
The lectures open the students’ eyes to a variety of issues which one may not have thought about before. For instance, comparing road accident rates across different countries is not as simple as one thinks, because of discrepancies in defining terms such as fatal and serious injuries. Fieldwork gives us reasons to don bright neon yellow jackets and count cars in the cold and wet weather. External speakers at seminars provide opportunities to hear about transport research in The Hague; how Leeds city centre was pedestrianised; progress on reducing vehicle emissions in West Yorkshire; membership with professional institutions, to name a few. Teaching staff are approachable, and most are on first-name basis with the students. The wealth of expertise in the Institute is overwhelming, and one cannot help but feel proud to be rubbing shoulders with recognised figures in the industry.

What do you aim to do once you’ve completed your Masters?
I hope to go back to live with my family in Ghana and work in transport or development-related sectors.

Do you have any advice for anyone thinking about studying for a Masters at ITS?
It’s a lot of hard work, but it’s worth it. The facilities and resources are great, and networking opportunities abound whether in  the lecture room or outside it. One will generally leave the  university, a more enriched individual.

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Why did you decide to study at ITS?
I chose ITS due to the excellence in teaching of a wide spectrum of transport studies, where you can not only acquire a good knowledge of transport, but also a whole range of practical skills. ITS has established a  reputation for excellent academic credentials, as recognised by the Queen's Anniversary Prize - so for me there was no question about where to study transport.

What is it about transport that interests and motivates you to study it?
After completing my bachelors degree I was looking to enhance my career. I decided to continuing studying transport, not only to broaden my horizons, but also to stretch my skills.

How have you found living in the UK and Leeds in particular?
Put it simply, Leeds is a small city in Yorkshire, where you can find plenty of students and events related to students.  As a prosperous city, there is varied nightlife and you can find different types of restaurants and department stores. In addition, the public transport infrastructure in Leeds is well built, a railway station and a coach station in city centre, as well as an international airport, plus a free bus service covering the city centre.

How would you describe the experience of being an ITS Masters student?
It is pleasure to be an ITS Masters student -  not only in gaining knowledge from lectures, but also learning how to work together with my classmates who come from different countries and different educational backgrounds;  when we discuss issues from the lectures it’s fascinating.

What have you enjoyed most about the first semester and what are you looking forward to in the next semester?
The field trip around Leeds city centre and the excursion to north Leeds to carry out fieldwork was a great time to get to know my classmates. In terms of lectures, the Transport Planning and Policy module was a big challenge for me, but still enjoyable.  For semester two the dissertation will be a good practical experience and I am looking forward to the field trip in Europe.

What have the lectures and seminars been like? And the teaching staff?
They are fascinating. You can always hear Professors raise the latest transport issues in lectures, and while you are reading the materials you can sometimes find that the author is from ITS. Teaching staff are always prepared to give me a hand if I have questions or difficulties.

What do you aim to do once you’ve completed your Masters?
As soon as I complete my study I will go back to my home town where I  will dedicate myself to transport related industry, and thus apply the skills and knowledge learned from ITS.

Do you have any advice for anyone thinking about studying for a Masters at ITS?

I would say that if you were tired of fixed routine at work and wanted to make a big difference to your future career, I would suggest you relish the challenge of studying for a  Masters at ITS - where you can enhance your career prospects so as to cope with the shifting sands of the future.

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Why did you decide to study at ITS? 
Because ITS is one of the best places to study transportation. Moreover, most of my lecturers in Gadjah Mada University are graduates from ITS. Therefore, I have a lot of support from them.

What is it about transport that interests and motivates you to study it?
Transportation plays important role in many aspects including economic, social, and health. In my country, Indonesia, there are serious problems related to transportation, such as traffic congestion, pollution, and high accident rates, which are very concerning.

How have you found living in the UK and Leeds in particular?
I have had a great chance to experience new culture, meet many kinds of people, not only British people but also people from all over the world. And Leeds in particular, is a small, quiet and friendly city which makes me love to live in here.

How would you describe the experience of being an ITS Masters student? 
It feels so great to become a part of ITS, where I can find the best people to learn about transportation. Also, I can choose the modules I like and I have nice supervisor to assist me in writing my dissertation.

What have you enjoyed most about the first semester and what are you looking forward to in the next semester?
I enjoyed meeting new friends the most at first semester, experiencing how the lectures run in ITS, and also explored the campus itself, knowing all the places and facilities around campus. I am looking forward to learn more about the interesting modules in the next semester and starting to do research for my dissertation.

What have the lecture and seminars been like? And the teaching staff?
I gain a lot of new knowledge from the seminars and lectures. The lecturers are very welcome to any questions and discussion from students. If a student has something to ask he can just meet the lecturer or put the question on the VLE for discussion amongst other students. Overall, students are expected to be active in both seminars and lectures, which is a new experience for me. The staff in ITS are also very kind and very pleased to help us with any problems related to learning activities.

What do you aim to do once you’ve completed your Masters?
As I got a scholarship from my government, after I’ve graduated I will work for my government’s transport department. And I hope that I can use the knowledge I got from ITS to make transportation in Indonesia better.

Do you have any advice for anyone thinking about studying for a Masters at ITS?
ITS is a very good choice to study transport, besides its good quality in learning and teaching activities, ITS also supported by facilities provided by University of Leeds which are nice. Moreover, living in Leeds is very convenient, despite its unpredictable weather!

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Why did you decide to study at ITS?
I took the time to search for a University that has international dignity, with a focus on the quality of its education. I was also attracted by the fact that many transport text books and research papers are written by or quote staff at ITS Leeds.

What is it about transport that interests and motivates you to study it?
I have been in the field of Transportation Engineering for more than 15 years, with experience in transport infrastructures, pavements and materials, construction contracts and project management, procurement of transportation works, maintenance of roads, airport pavements and bridges. Masters study will strengthen my skills and knowledge and add value to my career.

How have you found living in the UK and Leeds in particular?
Very interesting!  Leeds is one of the biggest cities in the UK and has a lot of experiences to offer. The city has a mixture of different races from American, to European, Asian and African.

How would you describe the experience of being an ITS Masters student? 
It’s a good opportunity not only for career development but for networking with transport ideologists on the other side of the world.

What have you enjoyed most about the first semester and what are you looking forward to in the next semester?
I’ve enjoyed it a lot - everything is interesting. I like the system of administration and the very cooperative ITS student office. In second semester I plan to devote my time to my studies and especially my dissertation.

What have the lectures and seminars been like? And the teaching staff?
It’s an excellent package - a diversity of lecturers from different races with different attitudes and approaches, but there is always a friendly method of teaching. Lecturers are accessible all the time and respond promptly to questions and requests.

What do you aim to do once you’ve completed your Masters?
I plan to work in the UK for at least a year to sharpen my experience and then I shall go back to my country to join efforts for the development of the transport industry of Tanzania - with the intention to do a PhD so that I can use rest of my life in Africa for capacity building in the field of transport.

Do you have any advice for anyone thinking about studying for a Masters at ITS?
It’s more than a School - it’s a of transport studies with a well-connected triangle of ITS staff, transport industry, and society. You get well organised teaching from committed lecturers, external seminars from consultants and you visit the transport systems in the UK and Europe to realise how transport works on the ground.

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Why did you decide to study at ITS?
Transport planning is a part of urban planning and I was interested in developing my knowledge and skills in transport.  I choose to study at ITS, Leeds University because of the reputation of both the School and the University.

What is it about transport that interests and motivates you to study it?
Transport in my country is improving very fast, so I'm really interested in being a part of this improvement. My main interest is in rail transport, which is still at an early stage in Saudi Arabia but rapidly developing.

How have you found living in Leeds?
Leeds is a great city and a great place to live. People in this city are friendly and sociable. I’ve lived for two years in Leeds – it’s been unforgettable.

How would you describe the experience of being an ITS Masters student? 
Amazing! I have made new friends from different countries. The field trips were a very good experience for me, as they provided things that you can’t get in the classroom alone.   The hardest thing was the workload – each module is very demanding. It was really hard work but in general I enjoyed it a lot, despite the stress!

What have you enjoyed most about your time at ITS?
I enjoyed the modules and learnt new software skill such as GIS, Dracula, and pedestrian modelling. The Traffic Management module was full of information and the field survey work was a highlight.

What have the lecture and seminars been like? And the teaching staff?
The lectures and seminars were well organised, interesting and really enjoyable. The staff are just perfect - professional and very helpful.

What do you aim to do once you’ve completed your Masters?
I'm going back to work in Saudi Arabia -  my aim is to find a new job in transport and to use the things leant at ITS to  help solve some of the transport problems, and also to gain more experience.

Do you have any advice for anyone thinking about studying for a Masters at ITS?
Don't hesitate, just do it! You will learn even more than you expect - you will discover that there is more to transport than you had thought. You will really enjoy it but it’s not easy - you need to dedicate your time to it.

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Why did you decide to study at ITS?
ITENE - the Packaging, Transport and Logistics Research Center of Valencia (www.itene.com) - decided to invest in training a Research Engineer in order to enhance the capabilities of its Transport and Sustainability Division. That’s the reason I came here to study at ITS. As a leading academic research group in the transport field, I feel that ITS is the best option to develop my skills in transport and sustainability through the MSc Sustainability (Transport). ITS is very well established and the exceptional facilities that the University of Leeds had to offer were the main reasons I chose ITS ahead of other universities.

What is it about transport that interests and motivates you to study it?
Having already worked for three years as a Research Engineer at ITENE, I enjoy being involved in different projects in the field of transport and logistics. I think transport is one of the key issues for the economic growth and development of society. In fact, improvements in the transport system have become one of the top priorities for the European Union. In 2010 I started to work with projects related to the sustainability of the transport and logistics operations, and this is the area that interests me the most.

How have you found living and socialising in Leeds?
Personally I think Leeds is a great city to live in. I like the city, and the people here are really nice and you can easily adapt to its pace of life. The university itself has a wide range of activities to offer, most of them promoted by the Student Union. ITS also promotes various social activities throughout the year, for example a field trip around Leeds during the first semester.

How would you describe the experience of being an ITS Masters student?
Being an ITS Master student is definitely a great experience. It is a demanding program but extremely interesting. The lecture topics are chosen thoroughly in order to facilitate learning and students’ skills development. Each day you realise how important the things you are learning about really are. In fact, I believe sustainability in transport is one of the main challenges that today’s society needs to address.

What have you enjoyed most about the first semester and what are you looking forward to in the next semester?
During the first semester I really enjoyed all my lectures, both the modules offered by ITS and the modules offered by the School of Earth and Environment. During this second semester, I am looking forward to working on my dissertation research as well as learning more about ‘Urban and Transport Pollution’ and ‘Green Logistics’- as  this is the field of study in which I would like to develop my future career.

What have the lectures and seminars been like? And the teaching staff?
All the lectures and seminars I have attended so far have been very enjoyable, especially dealing with current affairs regarding transport and sustainability. The sessions are well-planned and well-prepared, and they offer many different points of view, including public and private perspectives about the issues we are studying. In addition, all the members of the teaching staff are very friendly and they are always ready to help you. 

What do you aim to do once you’ve completed your Masters?
Once completed the MSc, the next step is to apply the skills and knowledge I have learnt in order to carry out projects at ITENE. Our aim in ITENE is to increase the competitiveness of transport and logistics companies whilst considering sustainability in their decision-making. Moreover, a key objective is to take an active part in research and development projects within the European framework, and hopefully collaborating with partners such as ITS.

Do you have any advice for anyone thinking about studying for a Masters at ITS?
Don’t hesitate and just go for it! It is a great opportunity for both you and your future career.

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Why did you decide to study at ITS?  

The reason for applying to ITS, Leeds was two-fold. First, the department has created a niche for itself in the field of transportation. Second, transportation as taught here is quite unique in the sense that it gives an opportunity to the students to apply their background knowledge (gained through studying various disciplines such as Geography, Economics, Engineering or Urban and Regional Planning) to Transportation Planning and this helps in not only enriching the literature of the subject but also the evolution of innovative ideas which are much more pragmatic and multi-disciplinary.

What is it about transport that interests and motivates you to study it?

Transportation is a part of our every-day lives. Without an efficient and accessible transportation system, the entire socio-economic system can come to a halt. Hence the immense importance of the subject not only at present but also for generations to come attracts me the most. Moreover, the beautiful connection between Geography, Transport Planning and Urban and Regional Planning motivates me to delve deeper into researching the subject.

How have you found living and socialising in Leeds?

Leeds is a wonderful and vibrant city. The city has made a special place in my heart because of the following reasons:

- Great place for shopping, as it has everything from big name designer labels to independent boutiques.

- Great and wide ranging eating joints providing all kinds of cuisines from Chinese, Japanese, or Indian to Italian, French or English.

- Last but not the least; Leeds is a repository of art, architecture and culture reflected in the Leeds city Museum, Leeds city Art Gallery, Royal Armouries etc. which truly fascinates me.

How would you describe the experience of being an ITS Masters student? 

Being a Masters student at ITS is quite an experience. Already having two Masters from back home, I never thought it would be equally challenging to go for this third Masters. Each module here is so unique in itself yet so related with every other module. The inter-twining of all the modules lends the post-graduate programme an edge over any other department teaching Transportation anywhere in the world and thus the opportunity to learn and apply this blend in each of our courseworks is quite interesting. The classroom discussions, the intriguing courseworks and the challenging exercises after each lecture are the most significant aspects of my learning experience at ITS.

What have you enjoyed most about the first semester and what are you looking forward to in the next semester?

The first semester at ITS was not only a learning experience - it also gave me a new direction to look at transport problems. The modules  ‘Understanding Travel Behaviour’ and ‘Transport Data Collection & Analysis’ provided the fundamental reason for studying transportation, such as collecting and analysing the transport data with the help of state-of–the-art technology and advanced statistical packages. The smooth transition from semester one to semester two in terms of the linkage between the modules in the two semesters, gives me a stimulus to learn new concepts ahead and make my understanding of the subject clearer.

What have the lectures and seminars been like? And the teaching staff?

Lectures have been very interesting in the first semester and hopefully they will be equally enthralling in the second semester too. The external seminars were an add-on to the normal lectures. The presentations of practical projects by experts in their field from various sectors as government or corporate were helpful in understanding the theory behind each concept and also helped me to draw a line between the theoretical concepts and practical world of transportation planning. Hence the external seminars were really very useful.

The teaching staff are not only distinguished in the field of transportation but also helpful. I can approach the faculty for even the slightest of doubt and that is really helpful as I know I always have my teachers besides me to sail me through the vast ocean of transportation. The faculty at ITS are a friend, philosopher and guide in a true sense. 

What do you aim to do once you’ve completed your Masters?

I would go for a PhD with a research topic to combine the concepts learned from all the three subjects I have studied till now -Geography, Urban & Regional Planning, and Transportation. I will try to contribute to the all the three fields by evolving pragmatic solutions to present urban problems. Being a Commonwealth Scholar, it is my responsibility to apply the knowledge I gain here to my home country and help in its development and growth and I would definitely do justice to the same.

Do you have any advice for anyone thinking about studying for a Masters at ITS?

I have two friendly suggestions to give to anyone aiming to do Masters at ITS, Leeds.  First, you will have only one year to stay and study in Leeds. So try to learn as much as you can, not only inside the class but also outside it. Look around you all the time as transportation is definitely a subject which should be studied both inside and outside the classroom. So be ready to learn the subject through personal observation and experience. Second, do not give too much value to the marking system rather try to learn new concepts each day and finally contribute to the betterment of society. Because it is not the marks but the clarity of fundamentals, in the end, that will help in providing solutions to urban problems and make this world a better place to live in. Best wishes!

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Why did you decide to study at ITS? 

Having attended an open day for all of the Masters programmes offered at ITS I was very impressed with the department, and in particular the fact that it seemed so research intensive. Considering that I want to go into research after finishing my MSc (and PhD), ITS seemed like the most obvious choice - and I certainly have not regretted making it (yet!).

What is it about transport that interests and motivates you to study it?

Transport of some nature is used by everyone, and I think sometimes it's taken for granted. Something with such a large impact on society is certainly worth studying in order to maximise its capabilities.

How would you describe the experience of being an ITS Masters student? 

Very enjoyable, but hard work! The lectures are interactive and I really enjoy learning with the people in my cohort. Although the work seems daunting at first, it's definitely manageable and leaves you with an enormous sense of achievement once you've got it done...

What have you enjoyed most about the first semester and what are you looking forward to in the next semester?

I think I've just enjoyed learning something new. Transport studies is something completely novel to me, so I go into lectures always prepared to throw myself into a new idea or concept. I'm sure that this will continue next semester, and so I'm really looking forward to it.

What have the lectures and seminars been like? And the teaching staff?

As I touched on before, the lectures can be very interactive and give you a chance to get involved. This is made easier because all of the teaching staff at ITS are encouraging and friendly.

What’s it like living and socialising in Leeds?

Having taken my undergraduate degree at Leeds I am already familiar with the city, and I think it speaks volumes about the place that I still want to be here after four years...

What do you aim to do once you’ve completed your Masters? 

As per my studentship I will continue study at ITS for a further three years doing a PhD, after which I will hopefully go into research.

Do you have any advice for anyone thinking about studying for a Masters at ITS?

I would say 'go for it'! I was slightly unsure about the decision I had made to do an MSc at ITS, but having now gone one third of the way through the course I can see that it was a fantastic choice. I really enjoy the course and I'm sure that anybody else interested in research would too.

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Why did you decide to study at ITS?

I chose the Masters in Sustainability (Transport) because it fits my needs perfectly. I already had an engineering degree plus several years working in transport engineering, and this program helped to compliment these skills. There were other universities with similar programs, but many of them were more engineering focused or did not include the amount of sustainability content that I wanted. This program was the best fit for me; it also helped that the University is very reputable and that ITS is well respected in the transport sector.

What is it about transport that interests and motivates you to study it?

Transport interests me because its impacts are so broad and inter-linked with society. The movement of goods and people are necessary in society, but are having a significant impact on our climate and our overall well-being. Transport is typically coupled with the growth in the economy and I’m motivated to design and plan transport networks that are decoupled from this relation while still meeting the needs of our society.

How have you found living and socialising in Leeds?

I have been having a great time in Leeds this year. The city is beautiful as well as affordable and the people are the friendliest I’ve ever met. I've been having a great time socialising with my course-mates as well as the Leeds Union Hiking Club, where I've made some great friends and seen the gorgeous landscapes that Britain has to offer.

How would you describe the experience of being an ITS Masters student? 

I found that as an ITS Masters student a fair amount of attention is paid to you. I knew that Leeds was a large university and I really expected to be more of a number than a person, but ITS is certainly not like this. It is a very friendly environment and they organise field trips and external seminars that really add to the experience.

What have you enjoyed most about the first semester and what are you looking forward to in the next semester?

The first semester was great fun because it was a new beginning. The material was interesting and it helped develop the background needed for the second semester.  I’ve enjoyed all of my modules because they answered many of the questions I had about transportation that had built up in my mind during my working years. I was also quite surprised to have many of my previous opinions and ideas challenged and changed as well. It was very enlightening.

What have the lecture and seminars been like? And the teaching staff?

Like the rest of the people in Yorkshire the staff are really nice and friendly. They’re professional and approachable. The teaching staff participated in our international night, which helped us to get to know them better, and it also gave them an opportunity to recruit us to their classes.

What do you aim to do once you’ve completed your Masters?

I have had a great experience working in the public sector these past few years and I still feel that there is much that I can learn when I return to my position as a project engineer. I plan to return to my position with my new skills and knowledge and to try to use them to help encourage more sustainable transportation plans and projects.

Do you have any advice for anyone thinking about studying for a Masters at ITS?

Go for it! The program is great fun and there are some very useful skills to be learned. From the perspective of someone who has already worked in the transport field I found that I have learned a great deal that would have helped me while I was working and will now help me in the continuation of my career.

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Why did you decide to study at ITS?

I reviewed a number of Transport courses and quickly realised that ITS has one of the most comprehensive courses in the UK. It covers many important subject areas within a good range of modules. The reputation and research ratings of the Institute also impressed me.

What is it about transport that interests and motivates you to study it?

Transport is an incredibly important part of society and I’m keen to explore the relationship between land-use and transport planning.   I’m the kind of person that likes to ask questions and I care passionately about the quality of our environment so it’s natural for me to ask questions of our transport systems: how they function, how they are financed, how they are managed, and so on. I came to ITS having worked as an urban designer in London - for me it is important to learn about the relationships between urban development and the requirements for transportation.

How have you found living and socialising in Leeds?

I’ve enjoyed coming to Leeds. It’s a city with lots to see and do and the people are very friendly. I live in Chapel Allerton which is an interesting area to the north of the city. At times I feel a little isolated from student life but there are good connections into the city centre. I’ve enjoyed exploring the historic aspects of the city and its buildings. I recommend spending an hour or two in the museum and art gallery as the interiors are pretty special.

How would you describe the experience of being an ITS Masters student? 

I have nothing but praise for the structure, organisation and quality of the course. Those running the course are very interested in the student experience and have been responsive and flexible to student needs whilst maintaining high standards. There are moments when the course gets a little hairy but part of the learning process is being able to manage your own time.

What have you enjoyed most about the first semester and what are you looking forward to in the next semester?

For me the first semester was enjoyable as we had the opportunity to meet new friends and experience the university for the first time.  A small group of us took advantage of the Leeds Film Festival which took place in the first semester. In October and November I took advantage of the careers centre service as they hosted several lunchtime talks from visiting companies and organisations, some of which were geared towards graduate opportunities, others were based on developing business skills and knowledge. The second semester will be about developing my thesis and advancing my research skills.

What have the lectures and seminars been like? And the teaching staff?

The content and presentation of the lectures and seminars vary but on the whole they are informative, highly engaging and relevant.   There is a good mix of practical and theoretical elements within the course. Teaching staff are leading practitioners in their field and that instils confidence in your learning. The course is well organised and the teaching staff are friendly and approachable.

What do you aim to do once you’ve completed your Masters?

I’m going to spend a bit of time touring the region before I return to London in the autumn. My aim then is to work in private consultancy in the capital. At the same time I intend to develop my relations with some of the international students I have met on this course.

Do you have any advice for anyone thinking about studying for a Masters at ITS?

Yes. If you’re a little rusty - start practising some maths before the start of the course. Come with an open mind, be prepared to work hard and enjoy the experience.

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Why did you decide to study at ITS?

I chose ITS because of its reputation. It is one of the best transport institutes in the UK.

The curriculum of the course covers all the important aspects of transport and greatly helps in starting out in the industry with a solid foundation. The administrative staff were very helpful and assisted me throughout the application process with prompt replies - that is also one of the reasons why I chose ITS.

What is it about transport that interests and motivates you to study it?

I have always been passionate about pursuing a career in transport.  Besides the fact that transport touches almost every aspect of our lives, I am particularly interested in the course because of the flexibility it offers to choose from a wide variety of career opportunities - in engineering, planning, management and operations. As a career in transport requires varied skills it is giving me the opportunity to study with and learn from people with multi-disciplinary backgrounds.

How have you found living and socialising in Leeds?

Leeds is a great place to live. It's not a very busy place like London and people are very friendly.

How would you describe the experience of being an ITS Masters student? 

It has been a great experience. At the same time it is challenging and requires a lot of hard work. There is something new to learn every day. I am really enjoying my time here at ITS as I get to interact with students from varied backgrounds. It is a wonderful opportunity to meet and know people from various countries and understand their culture.

What have you enjoyed most about the first semester and what are you looking forward to in the next semester?

The first semester has covered the basic principles required for the second semester. It is like the foundation for the course. The courseworks and the traffic survey have been very good learning experiences and provided further insights into transport. I also enjoyed various field trips around Leeds. I really enjoyed meeting new friends from all over the world.

What have the lectures and seminars been like? And the teaching staff?

The lectures are interactive and interesting. Teaching staff try to explain the things in detail which makes it easy to understand complex issues. They engage students and encourage them to participate – so that students to start think on their own. The seminars also give us information about contemporary issues in transport.

What do you aim to do once you’ve completed your Masters?

After completing my Masters I am planning to find a job in transport engineering or modelling.

Do you have any advice for anyone thinking about studying for a Masters at ITS?

I would definitely recommend this course at ITS for anyone interested in pursuing a career in transport. It is definitely a lifetime experience and I would suggest coming prepared for one year of absolute commitment and hard work.

Tell us about your internship at the United Nations

Before finishing my ITS Masters,  I completed a 3-month internship at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), in Bangkok. 

I assisted UNESCAP project officers in the development of the ‘Low Carbon Green Growth Roadmap for Asia-Pacific’ project, whilst gaining practical knowledge of the role of United Nations in promoting innovative policy measures.  I researched best practices and compiled case studies in sustainable transport to provide developing countries in the region with concrete transport policy options and implementation strategies for infrastructure development.  I also reviewed and analysed regulatory and fiscal policy measures to reduce transport related CO2 emissions in the region.  I  took the opportunity to attend the Asia-Pacific Urban forum-5 and put together the views of representatives from various developing countries on sustainable infrastructure and green growth.   The internship has given me invaluable experience in Low Carbon Green Growth in the region and also in understanding the policy role of United Nations.  I am grateful to ITS staff for giving me their full support in enabling me to take up the internship.

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